When we need a job, we might gloss over warning signs that the company is not a great fit. That can be especially true if you’ve been interviewing non-stop and haven’t found anything. However, even if the pay is good and the opportunity seems appealing, if the company is toxic, you might want to reconsider. Use this list to show you what you should avoid.
Bonuses
A toxic company won’t want to pay its employees fairly. As a result, they give bonuses so they don’t have to raise salaries. It’s a way to make you think they care. The problem is that companies know you have a family and kids, so most people go for the dangling prospect of possible bonuses—even though many people never see them.
Employee Reviews
If you look at a company and they have bad employee reviews, listen to them. The employees have nothing to gain from leaving a negative review, and many probably fear retaliation. While each individual’s experience is different, overall numbers don’t lie. There has to be a reason that many people don’t like the company.
Doing Something Illegal
Many companies have issues with overtime. The problem, however, is when the company lets you know during the interview that they engage in illegal practices to avoid taxes on overtime. Believe it or not, some companies try to pay their employees in gift cards instead of paying them properly because it saves on taxes.
Avoiding Pay Talk
In the interview, you shouldn’t have any issue discussing pay. Some companies, however, become angry if you ask and may even stop the interview or try to get you to agree to start without knowing the details. This is not only toxic, but it’s a red flag that you could be cheated out of what you’re worth until it’s too late.
Flexibility
When a company asks you to be flexible, it often means giving up all of your personal time for them. If your interviewer tells you that you need to be available at all times and work evenings, weekends, holidays, and whenever else you’re not available, this is a serious problem. Most of the time, the company won’t bend.
Time Off
Full-time employees deserve paid time off. If your interviewer has a negative view of time off and is vague about taking vacations or allowing employees to do the same, it’s a sign that they don’t take PTO seriously. Consider how you would feel working at a company that doesn’t prioritize mental and physical health. To be your best, you need to be at your best.
The Employees
Before the interview, look around at the employees. Are all of the mid-career professionals gone, leaving only younger new hires? This sets off alarm bells and suggests that the company doesn’t value longstanding employees. It could also be a sign of ageism and high turnover.
Lack Of Diversity
People want to work at a company that promotes diversity. If you don’t see any diversity, it could be a sign of a racist company or that the company is not open to new ideas or perspectives. That’s not the type of company you want to work for, so save your interview for a better one.
Free Work
Another illegal practice is when companies ask you to work for free. Studies have suggested that companies have employees clock out at a certain time, only to stay for hours afterward, essentially volunteering their time. That is illegal. Another tactic is to ask you to do the work of two while keeping your base pay constant.
Not Respecting Your Time
If the interviewer doesn’t show up on the day you’re scheduled, it shows they don’t respect your time. If they can’t respect your time before you’re even hired, why work for them? If they have a legitimate reason (such as a death in the family or childcare issues), it might be understandable, but a half-cocked excuse doesn’t count.
You Won’t Like Something
If you’re not yet working for the company and they tell you not to ask them to fix things or come to them with problems because you won’t like how they handle it, leave immediately and don’t look back. The obvious nonchalance in their approach shows they don’t respect their customers, and it isn’t a place where you would want to work.
If You Have To Pay
Any company, no matter how reputable it appears, that asks you to pay them to work there is a red flag, and you should leave immediately. No legitimate company will make you pay to work there. This is a tactic scammers use on unsuspecting people who are desperate or unaware.
Social Media Passwords
Another red flag is if a company asks for your social media passwords to speed up your background check. This is not something companies should do under any circumstances. They have their own methods for conducting background checks, and you’re never obligated to share your private information.
Your Role
When a company is vague about your role, that’s not a good sign. They need to be honest and open about what they expect you to do. Don’t be fooled by additional duties either; this is how companies trick employees into doing extra work that never stops because it falls under this ambiguous category.
We’re Family
If a company uses the phrase “we’re family,” know that they are likely going to use it to guilt trip you throughout your tenure and pressure you into taking on more work. Another tactic they love to use is the team player mentality. Remember, the job isn’t your home, and you don’t have to give up your life. In a healthy environment, there is mutual respect, and they understand that they do not own you.
Choose A Healthy Company
When money is tight, it’s hard to turn down a company—even if they’re not good for you—simply because you need the income. However, you should never let yourself suffer at a bad company, as your health and that of your family will ultimately be compromised. Take the time to find the right company, and you’ll find happiness and security.
